Improve the value of postsecondary learning

Description: This indicator uses the total number of degrees and certificates awarded in a year as the numerator and the population age 18 to 25 lagged five years as the denominator. The count of two-year degrees and certificates includes all awarded by institutions in the public community and technical college system. The count of four-year degrees includes degrees at all levels, baccalaureate and above, awarded by public and independent four-year higher education institutions. The prime college-attending age group of 18 to 25 was selected as the population base for this indicator.

Population data are based on OFM's November 2006 state population forecast. Degree and certificate counts are based on the U.S. Department of Education Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), using data provided by the Washington State Higher Education Coordination Board.

Description: This indicator shows the percent of freshman students in spring who continue studies in the following fall term.

Source:
Office of Financial Management

• Computer science/information technology
• Education
• Electronics*
• Health
• Engineering and engineering technology

*Includes baccalaureate and associate degrees. Electronics included in computer science and engineering.

Sources:
Higher Education Coordinating Board
Washington State Data Book

Description: This indicator is a measure of the difference for the annual job demand for workers in selected fields and the supply of workers in those fields who (1) leave community and technical colleges, private career schools, and apprenticeship programs after one year of training who are prepared for work and (2) receive baccalaureate degrees in related disciplines. High demand fields include:

• Computer science/information technology
• Education
• Electronics
• Health
• Engineering and engineering technology

Annual job demand information is obtained from the Employment Security Department. The Workforce Training and Education Coordination Board obtain occupational supply for two-year institutions and other vocational programs from administrative records. Supply for the baccalaureate level is obtained from the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Description: The indicator is the ratio of the number of postsecondary workforce students prepared for work during the most recently available year compared to the number of workers needed for job openings expected six years in the future. For example, if there is no increase in supply from the 2001-02 school year, the supply of newly prepared workers will be 81 percent of the expected demand in 2008.

The numerator is the number of individuals leaving community and technical colleges, private career schools, and apprenticeship programs after one year of training who are prepared for work; the denominator is the number of net job openings for workers with one year and up to but less than four years of postsecondary education or training. The data for the numerator comes from the administrative records of training providers, and the data for the denominator comes from the Employment Security Department. The job-openings estimate is based upon the 10-year trend line in order to even out short-term business cycle effects.

Source:
Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
   Postsecondary Career and Technical Education Works (pdf)

Description: Among employers attempting to hire during the previous 12 months, the percentage that report they had difficulty finding qualified job applicants. The indicator is based upon a statewide random stratified sample of employers responding to the survey question, "In the last 12 months, did your firm/organization have any difficulty finding qualified applicants for any of the jobs you were trying to fill?"

Source:
Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
   Employer Survey 2004 (pdf)

See also:
Detail by Industry and Region